GAM congratulates East Timorese

JAKARTA: The Free Aceh Movement armed wing (AGAM) joined the worldwide chorus of congratulations for the people of East Timor on their independence and the inauguration of Xanana Gusmao as the country's first president.

In a statement released on Sunday, AGAM spokesman Muzakir Manaf said that the people of Aceh and the resistance groups wished the East Timorese "good luck and success in bringing the people of Timor Lorosae prosperity and a bright future."

"The people of Aceh and Timor Lorosae are of the same entity and background: the conquered and oppressed," the statement in English said.

Muzakir said he expected future cooperation between East Timor and Aceh. -- JP